USC Trojans: game predictions 101713

Ted went 5-1 last week. Kevin went 4-2. Both missed Utah's upset of Stanford. Ted correctly picked Oregon State over Washington State.

Wait. Ted got an Oregon State pick correct? Oh no ... the sun has turned black and is that ... on the horizon ... THE FOUR HORSEMEN OF THE APOCALYPSE!

Run for your lives.

For the season, they are both 46-6.

Utah at Arizona

Kevin Gemmell: I’m curious to see what Utah does with its new-found momentum. If the Utes play the way they did against Stanford, they should win. If they play the way they did against Oregon State and UCLA, well, they still might win. Like what Utah has done defensively in recent weeks. Utah 31, Arizona 24.

Ted Miller: I agree with what Kevin said. But I also wonder what happens if the Wildcats get four quarters from QB B.J. Denker like his fourth quarter against USC. RB Ka'Deem Carey will be tough to contain if the Wildcats produce some reliable balance. Further, the Utes have yet to beat a quality Pac-12 foe on the road. So it's time for that to happen. Utah 35, Arizona 30.

Washington at Arizona State

Kevin Gemmell: This feels like one of those games in the past we thought Washington should win, but it didn’t. This year’s team is different, and I think the defense can be disruptive enough and the offense explosive enough to pick up a quality win on the road. Washington 38, Arizona State 34.

Ted Miller: A critical game for both teams. Washington has struggled on the road against quality foes, and the Sun Devils are a far tougher test than Illinois. Yet here's a guess that the Huskies bounce back after consecutive losses to top-five teams, winning with a superior defense and better offensive balance. Washington 35, Arizona State 28.

USC at Notre Dame

Kevin Gemmell: Looks like my streak of picking road dogs continues not a great recipe for success. But this USC team seems to have a little more confidence and pep in its step. It gets peppier with the presumptive return of Marqise Lee. Going crazy and picking the Trojans. USC 31, Notre Dame 21.

Ted Miller: The good news for the Trojans is Notre Dame's offense won't tax its lack of depth like up-tempo offenses in the Pac-12. The bad news is the Fighting Irish might tax the Trojans with their physical play up front on both lines. The Orgeron magic might not travel as well away from the Coliseum, too. Notre Dame 24, USC 21.

UCLA at Stanford

Kevin Gemmell: This feels like one of those games where everyone is down on Stanford and expecting them to go in the tank. Maybe. UCLA has the credentials and the momentum. And something special is brewing in Pasadena. But Stanford is at its best when its back is against the wall and they can rally around the “us vs. the world” mentality. Stanford 27, UCLA 24.

Ted Miller: It's hard to ignore the different results both teams got at Utah. Further, a little bird -- read: someone with NFL interests -- told me a few weeks back the loss of DE Henry Anderson was going to be bigger than many thought. I like the Bruins’ two superstars, OLB Anthony Barr and QB Brett Hundley, to live up to their marquee billing. UCLA 31, Stanford 28.

Ted Miller: A nice matchup for the Oregon secondary, which was outstanding at Washington last weekend. A good matchup for the Ducks' offensive line against a strong Cougars D-front. But the Ducks starters probably won't be needed too deep into the fourth. Oregon 47, Washington State 24.

Oregon State at California

Kevin Gemmell: Curious to see if Oregon State’s run game picks up against a depleted Cal team. But then again, when you have Sean Mannion-to-Brandin Cooks cranking, it’s all good. Oregon State 42, California 17.

Ted Miller: At some point you'd think Cal is going to shock someone. Its beleaguered defense will have an inspired effort and its passing attack will tie an opposing secondary in knots. But I don't think it happens this weekend. (Beavers fans, you still should probably retain possession of your Miller Prediction Countering Rabbit's Foot). Oregon State 44, California 31.

Charleston Southern at Colorado

Kevin Gemmell: A midseason switch to a true freshman quarterback feels like a move that the Buffs are looking to the future. Maybe. Or maybe he gives them their best option to pick up win No. 3. Full disclosure, I don’t know much about Charleston Southern, other than it is undefeated. But I’m a firm believer that FBS teams from BCS conferences are supposed to beat FCS teams. Colorado 30, CSU 21.

Ted Miller: I suspect Colorado will take out some frustration on the Buccaneers and pick up a third win. The larger question is whether the Buffs will get No. 4. Colorado 41, CSU 17.